Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is not a buzz term. If you're in two minds as to its effectiveness in getting your business website to appear on the first page of Google, then keep reading. SEO works to attract traffic to your website where you can convert browsers into buyers, and the results of a recent survey will help you to understand its value.

SEO delivers high Return on Investment

A survey was conducted by US information services giant Lead411 of the fastest-growing tech companies in the US, those who featured on the Tech200. Its aim was to determine which marketing tactics were the most efficient in growing these companies. What it found was that SEO is listed as one of the highest ROI tactics for business growth, only 3% behind the top response, email marketing. In fact 20% of the applicants received 200% or more ROI using email marketing and SEO services.

• SEO delivered the third highest return on investment.

• The investment itself averaged only 13% of their marketing budgets yet delivered powerful results.

• 74% reported that they have budget allocated to SEO strategies.

Do you know what ROI you receive from your marketing efforts?

The following chart sets out the Tech200's return on investment generated by each of these marketing tools. As a guide, if a company spent $1,000 on their SEO efforts, it would expect to get back $2,420. The bonus here is that rankings don't disappear, but continue to bring in new customers long after the investment. An example is a client who invested in 3 months of SEO packages. They haven't spent a dollar on marketing since, and struggle to keep up with demand, 12 months later!

Source: Lead411 2011 Tech 200 Winners

SEO is the second most popular tactic

The graph below shows which tactics the Tech200 companies use to build their growth. The figures indicate the percentage of companies with the respective marketing tactics in their budgets. Look how far down the list traditional advertising has slipped!

Source: Lead411 2011 Tech 200 Winners

Are your competitors using SEO services?

Do a Google search for the kinds of products or services you offer. Who is appearing on the first page of Google? Is it you or are your competitors getting all that business-building attention? If you're not sure how to determine your page rankings – or you can't see your business website anywhere on pages 1 to 3 of the search engines – give us a call and we can help you. We offer Google SEO packages that can help you win those rankings over your competitors!

The timing of these survey results is perfect for those looking to get the best ROI from their Christmas marketing budget. Make your move and give your website an early Christmas present ... on us! 100 bonus article submissions** with the Business SEO Package!